EP1642787B1 - Seat belt device for a vehicle and a control method - Google Patents
Seat belt device for a vehicle and a control method Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1642787B1 EP1642787B1 EP05017132A EP05017132A EP1642787B1 EP 1642787 B1 EP1642787 B1 EP 1642787B1 EP 05017132 A EP05017132 A EP 05017132A EP 05017132 A EP05017132 A EP 05017132A EP 1642787 B1 EP1642787 B1 EP 1642787B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- seat
- webbing
- vehicle
- tension
- crash
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T8/00—Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force
- B60T8/24—Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to vehicle inclination or change of direction, e.g. negotiating bends
- B60T8/246—Change of direction
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R21/015—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting the presence or position of passengers, passenger seats or child seats, and the related safety parameters therefor, e.g. speed or timing of airbag inflation in relation to occupant position or seat belt use
- B60R21/01512—Passenger detection systems
- B60R21/01544—Passenger detection systems detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment
- B60R21/01548—Passenger detection systems detecting seat belt parameters, e.g. length, tension or height-adjustment sensing the amount of belt winded on retractor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T8/00—Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force
- B60T8/17—Using electrical or electronic regulation means to control braking
- B60T8/1755—Brake regulation specially adapted to control the stability of the vehicle, e.g. taking into account yaw rate or transverse acceleration in a curve
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T8/00—Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force
- B60T8/32—Arrangements for adjusting wheel-braking force to meet varying vehicular or ground-surface conditions, e.g. limiting or varying distribution of braking force responsive to a speed condition, e.g. acceleration or deceleration
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R2021/01204—Actuation parameters of safety arrangents
- B60R2021/01252—Devices other than bags
- B60R2021/01265—Seat belts
- B60R2021/01272—Belt tensioners
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R21/013—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
- B60R2021/01311—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over monitoring the braking system, e.g. ABS
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R21/013—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
- B60R2021/01313—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over monitoring the vehicle steering system or the dynamic control system
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R21/00—Arrangements or fittings on vehicles for protecting or preventing injuries to occupants or pedestrians in case of accidents or other traffic risks
- B60R21/01—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents
- B60R21/013—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over
- B60R21/0134—Electrical circuits for triggering passive safety arrangements, e.g. airbags, safety belt tighteners, in case of vehicle accidents or impending vehicle accidents including means for detecting collisions, impending collisions or roll-over responsive to imminent contact with an obstacle, e.g. using radar systems
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
- B60T2201/00—Particular use of vehicle brake systems; Special systems using also the brakes; Special software modules within the brake system controller
- B60T2201/03—Brake assistants
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system for a vehicle comprising a seatbelt device , particularly to the seatbelt device in which pre-tensioner mechanisms provided for a driver's seat and another passenger's seat are operated when the vehicle is in a state, such as a spin or lateral slip, and when a DSC to stabilize a vehicle turning state operates during a vehicle turning.
- a state such as a spin or lateral slip
- the pre-tensioner mechanism operates to wind up a specified amount of the webbing, so that the specified tension can be applied to the webbing and thereby the passenger's restraint can be improved. Then, when it is determined the vehicle dangerous state of crash has been avoided, the pre-tensioner mechanism equipped with an electric motor is driven reversely, so that the webbing is withdrawn by a specified amount and thereby the tension thereof returns to the previous tension before the webbing winding up. Thus, the unpleasant feeling of too much restraint of the webbing can be lessened.
- the pre-tensioner mechanism when it has been determined that the vehicle is in the braking state, the pre-tensioner mechanism operates so that the tension of the webbing of the assistant's seat can be higher than that of the webbing of the driver's seat. While, when it has been determined that the vehicle is in the turning state, the pre-tensioner mechanism operates so that the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat can be higher than that of the webbing of the assistant's seat. Thereby, the tension of the webbing can be properly applied to the passenger according to the vehicle traveling state, and thus the proper restraint can be provided to the passenger without giving any unpleasant feelings.
- EP 0 747 272 A2 discloses a safety system according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus and method to enhance the ability of an occupant restraint system, which may include one or more of the following: a three-point seat-belt, one or more airbags pyrotechnic pretensioner and/or mechanical retractor pretensioner.
- Information on vehicle dynamics preferably provided either by ABS, ABS/TCS, ASMS or IVD
- ABS/TCS preferably provided either by ABS, ABS/TCS, ASMS or IVD
- a heightened state of awareness such as optimized position or optimized subroutine
- the DSC can stabilize the vehicle traveling state by controlling the engine brake and the braking forces of four brakes when it has been detected that the vehicle travels on a slippery road or turns at a high speed and thereby the vehicle is in the dangerous state of spin or lateral slip.
- the present invention has been devised in view of this matter, and an object of the present invention is to operate the pre-tensioner mechanism in the seatbelt device of a system of a vehicle additionally when the DSC operates, thereby increasing restraint forces of passengers and improving the safety of passengers.
- a system for a vehicle comprising a seatbelt device, comprising at least two seatbelt mechanisms provided for a driver's seat and another passenger's seat, each of the seatbelt mechanisms including a webbing and a first pre-tensioner mechanism operative to wind up the webbing so as to apply a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing when a crash pre-detecting device detects a vehicle crash in advance, and a control device to control the seatbelt mechanisms, wherein the system further comprises a vehicle turning control device which operates to control a braking force of a brake device of the vehicle so that a vehicle turning state can be a target turning state, and the control device operates at least the first pre-tensioner mechanisms when the vehicle turning control device operates.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanisms of the passenger's seat and another passenger's seat operate to increase the restraint force of respective passengers, thereby improving the safety of passengers further.
- the control device operates the first pre-tensioner mechanisms when the vehicle turning control device operates to make the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat lower than that of the webbing of the passenger's seat. Accordingly, the respective passengers can be retrained with a substantially proper tension according to the respective passenger's seats when the vehicle turning control device operates. For example, since the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat is or can be made lower than that of the webbing of the passenger's seat, necessary steering operation and/or braking operation by the driver to avoid the vehicle crash will not be prevented or hindered. Also, the passenger in the passenger seat can be restrained with the higher tension of the webbing, and thereby the safety can be further improved.
- the system further comprises a brake assist device, and the control device operates at least the first pre-tensioner mechanisms when the brake assist device operates. Accordingly, even when the brake assist device to assist brake-pedal pressing force operates at the emergency, such as when the vehicle crash against the obstacle in front needs to be avoided, the first pre-tensioner mechanisms of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat operate to wind up the webbings by the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount so that the tension of those can be higher. Thereby, the restraint force for the respective passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passengers can be improved surely, even if the vehicle is in the dangerous state preferably where the brake assist mechanism operates.
- the control device operates the first pre-tensioner mechanisms to make both the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat and the tension of the webbing of the passenger's seat when the brake assist device operates higher than that of the webbing of the driver's seat when the vehicle turning control device operates. Accordingly, the forward movement of the passengers caused by the operation of the brake assist device can be reduced greatly. Thereby, the restraint force for the passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passenger can be improved further.
- the control device operates the first pre-tensioner mechanisms so that the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat and the tension of the webbing of the passenger's seat when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted in advance by the crash pre-detecting device can be lower than the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat and the tension of the webbing of the passenger's seat when the brake assist device operates. Accordingly, even when the vehicle is in the dangerous state, such as crashing against the obstacle substantially in front or in the vehicle path, the first pre-tensioner mechanisms of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat operate, so that the restraint force of the passengers can be increased and thereby the safety of the passengers can be improved further.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanisms operate so that the tension of the webbings can be lower than that when the brake assist device operates, the steering operation or braking operation by the driver to avoid the vehicle crash will not be prevented or hindered. Also, preferably it is not necessary yet to provide the high tension to the webbing for the passenger in the passenger's seat at the timing it has been detected in advance that the vehicle is in the dangerous state of crash, therefore the unpleasant feeling of too much restraint of the webbing can be lessened.
- one or more, preferably each of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms is driven by an electric motor. Accordingly, the winding up of the webbings can be done surely, and the withdrawal of the webbings after the avoidance of dangerous state can be also attained surely. Also, using such a relatively simple and inexpensive electric motor should be advantageous in manufacturing costs.
- the system further comprises a crash detecting device to detect or predict the vehicle crash and second pre-tensioner mechanisms which are provided at the respective seatbelt mechanisms to wind up a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount of webbing at the vehicle crash, and the seatbelt device is constituted so that when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted by the crash detecting device, the second pre-tensioner mechanisms preferably operate in addition to the operation of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms. Accordingly, when the vehicle has crashed or is in a process of crashing e.g. against the obstacle, the second pre-tensioner mechanisms of the passenger's seat and the passenger's seat operate, so that the restraint force for the passengers can be increased and the safety of the passengers can be improved surely.
- each of the second pre-tensioner mechanisms is driven by an inflator. Accordingly, the second pre-tensioner mechanisms can operate promptly at the vehicle crash.
- a seatbelt control method for a seatbelt device of a vehicle comprising at least two seatbelt mechanisms provided for a driver's seat and another passenger's seat, each of the seatbelt mechanisms including a webbing and a first pre-tensioner mechanism operative to wind up the webbing, comprising the following steps:
- a computer program product in particular stored on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer-readable instructions which, when loaded and run on a suitable system can perform the steps of the seatbelt control method.
- the present embodiment is an exemplified seatbelt device of a system of an automotive vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which there is provided the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) device which can stabilize a vehicle turning preferably by controlling a braking force.
- DSC Dynamic Stability Control
- a driver's seat 1 As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are provided in the automotive vehicle C a driver's seat 1, an assistant's seat 2, a seatbelt device 3, four brake devices 9 provided at four wheels 8, a brake assist mechanism 10 (corresponding to a preferred brake assist device), an DSC operation sensor or detector 11 to detect whether or not the vehicle is in a dangerous state, such as by means of detecting a spin, a yaw rate, longitudinal and/or lateral accelerations, wheel spinning and/or lateral slip, and a brake assist operation sensor 12 to detect whether or not a brake pedal (not illustrated) has been pressed preferably at an emergency.
- a brake assist mechanism 10 corresponding to a preferred brake assist device
- an DSC operation sensor or detector 11 to detect whether or not the vehicle is in a dangerous state, such as by means of detecting a spin, a yaw rate, longitudinal and/or lateral accelerations, wheel spinning and/or lateral slip
- a brake assist operation sensor 12 to detect whether or not a
- a control device 37 which comprises a DSC control portion 35 (corresponding to a preferred vehicle turning device) to control braking forces of the one or more four brake devices 9 so that the vehicle turning state or yaw state can be a target turning/yaw state, and a brake-assist control portion 36 to control the brake assist mechanism 10.
- the seatbelt device 3 preferably comprises a seatbelt mechanism 4 for the driver's seat, a seatbelt mechanism 5 for the assistant's seat, a crash pre-detecting sensor 6 (corresponding to a preferred crash pre-detecting device) to detect or predict the vehicle crash in advance, and a crash detecting sensor 7 (corresponding to a preferred crash detecting device) to detect the vehicle crash.
- the crash detecting sensor 6 comprises, for example, a millimeter-wave radar
- the pre-detecting sensor 7 comprises, for example, an accelerator sensor.
- the brake device 9 comprises a liquid type of brake which comprises a disc rotor 9a, a caliper 9b, and the brake assist mechanism 10 including valves such as a pressure-adding valve or a pressure-reducing valve (not illustrated).
- the brake device 9 is operated by a liquid pressure in at least one master cylinder (not illustrated) which is generated or controlled by pressing of a brake pedal (not illustrated) via a master back (not illustrated), and thereby the braking force is or can be applied to the wheels 8.
- the DSC operation sensor 11 preferably comprises at least one of the following: a wheel speed sensor 13 to detect a wheel speed of the wheels 8, a lateral acceleration sensor 14 to detect a lateral acceleration acting on the wheels 8 substantially in a lateral direction, a yaw rate sensor 15 to detect a yaw rate acting on the vehicle, a steering angle sensor 16 to detect a steering angle of a steering device and a liquid pressure sensor 17 to detect a liquid pressure in the master cylinder.
- the DSC operation sensor 11 detects whether or not the vehicle is in the dangerous state such as spin or lateral slip during the vehicle turning based on input signals from one or more of the above-described sensors 13 through 17.
- the DSC comprises the DSC operation sensor 11, the DSC control portion 35, the brake device 9 and an Electronic Gasoline (engine fuel) Injection controller (EGI controller) 18 (see FIG. 3 ). And, the DSC controls respective valves with the DSC control portion 35 when it is detected that the vehicle is in the dangerous state such spin or lateral slip by the DSC operation sensor 11.
- the control is conducted such that the liquid pressure supplied to the brake device 9 are increased or decreased preferably substantially independently to adjust the braking forces applied to the respective wheels 8, so that the vehicle turning state can be controlled so as to be the target turning state.
- the engine output is or may be reduced by a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) value by the EGI controller 18, thereby a torque down control is preferably executed at the same time.
- the brake assist operation sensor 12 which comprises the liquid pressure sensor 17 to detect the liquid pressure in the master cylinder, calculates a pressing amount and a pressing speed of the brake pedal based on a detected liquid pressure value of the master cylinder. And, the sensor 12 detects whether or not the brake pedal has been pressed at the emergency (e.g. depending on the speed of pressing, strength of pressing, how fast a pedal switch between accelerator pedal and brake pedal was performed, the driving condition of the vehicle, etc.).
- the brake assist mechanism 10 which comprises the valves such as the pressure-adding valve or the pressure-reducing valve, controls the liquid pressure supplied to the brake device 9 preferably by controlling the valves when it is detected by the brake assist operation sensor 12 that the brake pedal has been pressed at the emergency, and thereby generates a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) large braking force (which preferably is higher than a braking force corresponding to the force actually applied to the brake pedal).
- seatbelt mechanisms 4, 5 which are provided for the driver's seat 1 and the assistant's seat 2 respectively will be described.
- the configuration of these seatbelt mechanisms 4 and 5 is substantially the same, and therefore only the seatbelt mechanism 4 for driver's seat will be described.
- the seatbelt mechanism 4 comprises, as illustrated in FIG. 2 , a webbing 21 to restrain the driver in the seat 1, a retractor 23 provided at a vehicle body (preferably at or near a center pillar, not illustrated) which includes a guide drum (not illustrated) to wind up the webbing 21, a first pre-tensioner mechanism 25 provided integrally or unitarily near (preferably at the back face of) the retractor 23 which can wind up the webbing 21 with a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension preferably when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted in advance by the crash pre-detecting sensor 6, and a second pre-tensioner mechanism 27 provided integrally or unitarily near (preferably at the front face of) the retractor 23 which can wind up the webbing when the vehicle crash has been detected by the crash detecting sensor 7.
- the specified tension of the first pre-tensioner mechanism 25 is different from (preferably substantially smaller than) a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension of the second pre-tensioner mechanism 27.
- a winding-amount detecting sensor 29 At the retractor 23 is provided a winding-amount detecting sensor 29 to detect a winding amount of the webbing 21.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanism 25 preferably has an electric motor 31 and operates to withdraw and wind up the webbing 21 by driving the electric motor 31. Also, the first pre-tensioner mechanism 25 winds up part of the webbing 21 so as to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing by driving the electric motor 31, not only when the vehicle dangerous-state of crash is detected by the pre-detecting sensor 6 based on a relative speed and/or a relative distance with respect to an obstacle such a vehicle running substantially in front, but also when the DSC and/or the brake assist mechanism 10 are operated.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanism 25 withdraws part of the webbing 21 by driving the electric motor 31 so that the tension of the webbing returns to a previous tension before the webbing winding up.
- the second pre-tensioner mechanism 27 has an inflator 33 and operates to wind up part of the webbing 21 at a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) speed, which is faster than the winding-up speed by the first pre-tensioner mechanism 25, so as to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing by operating the inflator 33 when the vehicle crash has been detected by the crash detecting sensor 7.
- the control device 37 comprises the DSC control portion 35, the brake-assist control portion 36, CPU 38, ROM 39, RAM 40 (preferably backed up with a secondary battery), Input Interface 41 (Input I/F), Output Interface 42 (Output I/F) and the like.
- the Input I/F 41 is preferably coupled at least to one of the following: the wheel speed sensor 13, the lateral acceleration sensor 14, the yaw rate sensor 15, the steering angle sensor 16, the liquid pressure sensor 17, the crash pre-detecting sensor 6, the winding-amount detecting sensor 29 for the driver's seat 1, a winding-amount detecting sensor 30 for the assistant's seat 2, and the crash detecting sensor 7.
- the Output Interface 42 preferably comprises one or more driving circuits of the electric motors 31, 32 and the inflators 33, 34.
- the DSC control portion 35 controls one or more, e.g. four brake devices 9 and the EGI controller 18 to increase or decrease the braking force based on the input signals from the DSC operation sensor 11, which includes the wheel speed sensor 13, the lateral acceleration sensor 14, the yaw rate sensor 15, the steering angle sensor 16, and/or the liquid pressure sensor 17, when it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state such as the spin or lateral slip during the vehicle turning, so that the vehicle turning state can be substantially the target turning state.
- the DSC operation sensor 11 includes the wheel speed sensor 13, the lateral acceleration sensor 14, the yaw rate sensor 15, the steering angle sensor 16, and/or the liquid pressure sensor 17, when it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state such as the spin or lateral slip during the vehicle turning, so that the vehicle turning state can be substantially the target turning state.
- the brake-assist control portion 36 controls the brake assist mechanism 10 to increase the braking force based on the signal of the brake assist operation sensor 12 comprising the liquid pressure sensor 17 when it is detected that the brake pedal has been pressed preferably at the emergency.
- ROM 39 of the control device 37 is stored a control program to control the first pre-tensioner mechanism 25 for the driver's seat 1, a first pre-tensioner mechanism 26 for the assistant's seat 2, the second pre-tensioner mechanism 27 for the driver's seat 1, and a second pre-tensioner mechanism 28 for the assistant's seat 2, based on at least one of the input signals from the sensors 6, 13 - 17, 29, 30.
- the control After the control starts by turning on an ignition switch, it is detected based on the signal of the DSC operation sensor 11 whether or not the vehicle C is in the dangerous state such as the spin or lateral slip, namely whether the DSC has operated or not (S1).
- S1 a control is performed of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26, preferably the electric current is supplied to the electric motors 31, 32 of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 for the driver's seat 1 and assistant's seat 2, to at least partly wind up the respective webbings 21, 22 at a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension (S2).
- S2 specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension
- the electric current preferably is supplied to the electric motors 31, 32 so that a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) low tension can be provided to the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) high tension can be provided to the webbing 22 of the assistant's seat 2.
- the electric current is supplied to the motors 31, 32 to make the tension of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat lower than that of the webbing 22 of the assistant's seat.
- the specified high tension is, for example, about twenty or more times as large as the specified low tension.
- the winding amount of the webbings 21, 22 are detected by the winding-amount detecting sensors 29, 30 respectively, and the electric current is supplied until the specified amount of webbings 21, 22 have been wound up (S2, S3; No).
- the electric current is supplied to the electric motors 31, 32 to make the respective tension of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and the webbing 22 of the assistant's seat 2 when the brake assist mechanism 10 operates higher than that of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 when the DSC operates.
- the winding amount of the webbings 21, 22 are detected by the winding-amount detecting sensors 29, 30 respectively, and the electric current is supplied until the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount of webbings 21, 22 have been wound up (S5, S6; No).
- the crash pre-detecting sensor 6 When it is not detected that the brake assist mechanism 10 operates (S4; No), it is detected by the crash pre-detecting sensor 6 preferably whether any obstacle exists substantially in front of or near or in the expected path of the vehicle C. When the obstacle exists, the relative speed and/or relative distance with respect to the obstacle are calculated, and it is detected based on the calculation results whether or not the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S7). When it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S7; Yes), the electric current to wind up the webbings 21, 22 is supplied respectively to the electric motors 31, 32 of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 of the driver's seat 1 and the assistant's seat 2 to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) low tension as illustrated in FIG. 5 (S8).
- the electric current is supplied to the electric motors 31, 32 to make the respective tension of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and the webbing 22 of the assistant's seat 2 when the vehicle crash is detected by the crash pre-detecting sensor 6 lower than that of the webbings 21, 22 when the brake assist mechanism 10 operates.
- the winding amount of the webbings 21, 22 are detected by the winding-amount detecting sensors 29, 30 respectively, and the electric current is supplied until the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount of webbings 21, 22 have been wound up (S5, S6; No).
- S7 dangerous state of crash
- the crash detecting sensor 7 When the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount of webbings 21, 22 have been wound up (S3, 6, 9; Yes), it is detected by the crash detecting sensor 7 whether or not the vehicle C has crashed against the obstacle (S10).
- the second pre-tensioner mechanisms 27, 28 are controlled to pre-tension the respective webbings 21, 22, preferably the electric current for ignition is supplied to the inflators 33, 34 of the second pre-tensioner mechanisms 27, 28 (S11), so that the webbings 21, 22 of the driver's seat 1 and the assistant's seat 2 are wound up by operation of the second pre-tensioner mechanisms 27, 28.
- the brake assist mechanism 10 When it is not detected that the brake assist mechanism 10 operates (S13; No), it is detected by the crash pre-detecting sensor 6 whether any obstacle exists substantially in front of or on the path of the vehicle C. When the obstacle exists, the relative speed and/or relative distance with respect to the obstacle are calculated, and it is detected based on the calculation results whether or not the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S14). When it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S14; Yes), the control sequence returns to the step S10.
- the electric current is supplied to the electric motors 31, 32 of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 until the specified amount (predetermined or predeterminable) of webbings 21, 22 have been withdrawn (S15, S16; No).
- the specified amount of webbings 21, 22 have been withdrawn (S16; Yes)
- the supply of electric current to the electric motors 31, 32 of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 is stopped (S17), and the control sequence returns.
- the DSC control portion 35 operates to increase or decrease the braking force applied to the wheels 8, thereby functioning to stabilize the vehicle turning state.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 are controlled so that the tension of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 can be lower than that of the webbing 22 of the assistant's seat 2.
- the driver in the driver's seat 1 can conduct properly the steering and/or braking operation to avoid the vehicle crash, and the passenger in the assistant's seat 2 can be restrained with the high tension, therefore the safety can be further improved.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 of the driver's seat 1 and the assistant's seat 2 operate to wind up the webbing 21, 22 by the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount so that the tension of those can be higher than that of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 at the DSC operation.
- the restraint force for the respective passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passengers can be improved surely even if the vehicle C is in the dangerous state where the brake assist mechanism 10 operates.
- the first pre-tensioner mechanisms 25, 26 operate so that the tension of the webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and the webbing 22 of the assistant's seat 2 can be lower than that when the brake assist mechanism 10 operates. Thereby, the restraint force for the passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passenger can be improved surely. Also, since the mechanisms 25, 26 operate so that the tension of the webbings 21, 22 can be lower than that when the brake assist mechanism 10 operates, the steering operation and/or the braking operation by the driver in the driver's seat 1 to avoid the vehicle crash will not be prevented.
- the second pre-tensioner mechanisms 27, 28 operate to increase the restraint force of the passengers. Thereby, the safety of the passengers can be improved surely.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Automotive Seat Belt Assembly (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a system for a vehicle comprising a seatbelt device , particularly to the seatbelt device in which pre-tensioner mechanisms provided for a driver's seat and another passenger's seat are operated when the vehicle is in a state, such as a spin or lateral slip, and when a DSC to stabilize a vehicle turning state operates during a vehicle turning.
- Conventionally, in the seatbelt device of a vehicle equipped with the pre-tensioner mechanism, when the vehicle cash has been detected in advance by the crash pre-detecting sensor comprised of a millimeter-wave radar, based on the relative speed or relative distance with respect to an obstacle, such as the vehicle running in front, the pre-tensioner mechanism operates to wind up a specified amount of the webbing, so that the specified tension can be applied to the webbing and thereby the passenger's restraint can be improved. Then, when it is determined the vehicle dangerous state of crash has been avoided, the pre-tensioner mechanism equipped with an electric motor is driven reversely, so that the webbing is withdrawn by a specified amount and thereby the tension thereof returns to the previous tension before the webbing winding up. Thus, the unpleasant feeling of too much restraint of the webbing can be lessened.
- Also, passengers tend to be moved forward e.g. due to the inertia at the vehicle braking, and they tend to be moved laterally at the vehicle turning. Accordingly, increasing the webbing tension and thereby improving the passenger's restraint will be necessary in these cases. Thus, the seatbelt device performing such functions is also known. For example,
US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0209900 A1 discloses the device in which there are provided the lateral acceleration sensor and the longitudinal acceleration sensor, and it is determined based on these sensors whether the vehicle is in the braking state or in the turning state. Herein, when it has been determined that the vehicle is in the braking state, the pre-tensioner mechanism operates so that the tension of the webbing of the assistant's seat can be higher than that of the webbing of the driver's seat. While, when it has been determined that the vehicle is in the turning state, the pre-tensioner mechanism operates so that the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat can be higher than that of the webbing of the assistant's seat. Thereby, the tension of the webbing can be properly applied to the passenger according to the vehicle traveling state, and thus the proper restraint can be provided to the passenger without giving any unpleasant feelings. -
EP 0 747 272 A2 discloses a safety system according to the preamble of claim 1 and an apparatus and method to enhance the ability of an occupant restraint system, which may include one or more of the following: a three-point seat-belt, one or more airbags pyrotechnic pretensioner and/or mechanical retractor pretensioner. Information on vehicle dynamics (preferably provided either by ABS, ABS/TCS, ASMS or IVD) is analyzed to selectively place at least one of its safety modules in a heightened state of awareness (such as optimized position or optimized subroutine), hence, allowing the restraint system to prepare itself for optimal performance. - Meanwhile, vehicles equipped with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) have increased recently. The DSC can stabilize the vehicle traveling state by controlling the engine brake and the braking forces of four brakes when it has been detected that the vehicle travels on a slippery road or turns at a high speed and thereby the vehicle is in the dangerous state of spin or lateral slip. Herein, it is desired to provide the seatbelt device to operate the pre-tensioner mechanism additionally according to the operation of the DSC in order to further improve the safety of passengers.
- The present invention has been devised in view of this matter, and an object of the present invention is to operate the pre-tensioner mechanism in the seatbelt device of a system of a vehicle additionally when the DSC operates, thereby increasing restraint forces of passengers and improving the safety of passengers.
- This object is solved according to the invention by the feature of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the present invention are subject of the dependent claims.
- According to the present invention, there is provided a system for a vehicle comprising a seatbelt device, comprising at least two seatbelt mechanisms provided for a driver's seat and another passenger's seat, each of the seatbelt mechanisms including a webbing and a first pre-tensioner mechanism operative to wind up the webbing so as to apply a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing when a crash pre-detecting device detects a vehicle crash in advance, and a control device to control the seatbelt mechanisms, wherein the system further comprises a vehicle turning control device which operates to control a braking force of a brake device of the vehicle so that a vehicle turning state can be a target turning state, and the control device operates at least the first pre-tensioner mechanisms when the vehicle turning control device operates. Accordingly, even when the vehicle is in the dangerous state such as spin or lateral slip and the vehicle turning control device operates, the first pre-tensioner mechanisms of the passenger's seat and another passenger's seat operate to increase the restraint force of respective passengers, thereby improving the safety of passengers further.
- The control device operates the first pre-tensioner mechanisms when the vehicle turning control device operates to make the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat lower than that of the webbing of the passenger's seat. Accordingly, the respective passengers can be retrained with a substantially proper tension according to the respective passenger's seats when the vehicle turning control device operates. For example, since the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat is or can be made lower than that of the webbing of the passenger's seat, necessary steering operation and/or braking operation by the driver to avoid the vehicle crash will not be prevented or hindered. Also, the passenger in the passenger seat can be restrained with the higher tension of the webbing, and thereby the safety can be further improved.
- The system further comprises a brake assist device, and the control device operates at least the first pre-tensioner mechanisms when the brake assist device operates. Accordingly, even when the brake assist device to assist brake-pedal pressing force operates at the emergency, such as when the vehicle crash against the obstacle in front needs to be avoided, the first pre-tensioner mechanisms of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat operate to wind up the webbings by the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount so that the tension of those can be higher. Thereby, the restraint force for the respective passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passengers can be improved surely, even if the vehicle is in the dangerous state preferably where the brake assist mechanism operates.
- The control device operates the first pre-tensioner mechanisms to make both the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat and the tension of the webbing of the passenger's seat when the brake assist device operates higher than that of the webbing of the driver's seat when the vehicle turning control device operates. Accordingly, the forward movement of the passengers caused by the operation of the brake assist device can be reduced greatly. Thereby, the restraint force for the passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passenger can be improved further.
- According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control device operates the first pre-tensioner mechanisms so that the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat and the tension of the webbing of the passenger's seat when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted in advance by the crash pre-detecting device can be lower than the tension of the webbing of the driver's seat and the tension of the webbing of the passenger's seat when the brake assist device operates. Accordingly, even when the vehicle is in the dangerous state, such as crashing against the obstacle substantially in front or in the vehicle path, the first pre-tensioner mechanisms of the driver's seat and the passenger's seat operate, so that the restraint force of the passengers can be increased and thereby the safety of the passengers can be improved further. Also, since the first pre-tensioner mechanisms operate so that the tension of the webbings can be lower than that when the brake assist device operates, the steering operation or braking operation by the driver to avoid the vehicle crash will not be prevented or hindered. Also, preferably it is not necessary yet to provide the high tension to the webbing for the passenger in the passenger's seat at the timing it has been detected in advance that the vehicle is in the dangerous state of crash, therefore the unpleasant feeling of too much restraint of the webbing can be lessened.
- According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, one or more, preferably each of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms is driven by an electric motor. Accordingly, the winding up of the webbings can be done surely, and the withdrawal of the webbings after the avoidance of dangerous state can be also attained surely. Also, using such a relatively simple and inexpensive electric motor should be advantageous in manufacturing costs.
- According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the system further comprises a crash detecting device to detect or predict the vehicle crash and second pre-tensioner mechanisms which are provided at the respective seatbelt mechanisms to wind up a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount of webbing at the vehicle crash, and the seatbelt device is constituted so that when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted by the crash detecting device, the second pre-tensioner mechanisms preferably operate in addition to the operation of the first pre-tensioner mechanisms. Accordingly, when the vehicle has crashed or is in a process of crashing e.g. against the obstacle, the second pre-tensioner mechanisms of the passenger's seat and the passenger's seat operate, so that the restraint force for the passengers can be increased and the safety of the passengers can be improved surely.
- According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the second pre-tensioner mechanisms is driven by an inflator. Accordingly, the second pre-tensioner mechanisms can operate promptly at the vehicle crash.
- According to an example, which is not covered by the claims, there is further provided a seatbelt control method for a seatbelt device of a vehicle comprising at least two seatbelt mechanisms provided for a driver's seat and another passenger's seat, each of the seatbelt mechanisms including a webbing and a first pre-tensioner mechanism operative to wind up the webbing, comprising the following steps:
- predicting a vehicle crash in advance; and
- applying a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing when a vehicle crash is predicted in advance;
- wherein a braking force of a brake device of the vehicle is controlled such that a vehicle turning state can be a target turning state, and at least said first pre-tensioner mechanisms are operated when the vehicle turning control device operates.
- According to a further example, which is not covered by the claims, there is still further provided a computer program product, in particular stored on a computer-readable storage medium, comprising computer-readable instructions which, when loaded and run on a suitable system can perform the steps of the seatbelt control method.
- Other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description which refers to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an automotive vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a major part inside the automotive vehicle. -
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a control system of a seatbelt device. -
FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a control of a pre-tensioner mechanism. -
FIG. 5 is a chart showing a tension which is applied to webbings of a driver's seat and an assistant's seat according to a vehicle state. - Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described referring to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that even though embodiments are separately described, single features thereof may be combined to additional embodiments.
- The present embodiment is an exemplified seatbelt device of a system of an automotive vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which there is provided the DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) device which can stabilize a vehicle turning preferably by controlling a braking force.
- As illustrated in
FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are provided in the automotive vehicle C a driver's seat 1, an assistant'sseat 2, aseatbelt device 3, fourbrake devices 9 provided at fourwheels 8, a brake assist mechanism 10 (corresponding to a preferred brake assist device), an DSC operation sensor ordetector 11 to detect whether or not the vehicle is in a dangerous state, such as by means of detecting a spin, a yaw rate, longitudinal and/or lateral accelerations, wheel spinning and/or lateral slip, and a brakeassist operation sensor 12 to detect whether or not a brake pedal (not illustrated) has been pressed preferably at an emergency. Further, there is provided acontrol device 37 which comprises a DSC control portion 35 (corresponding to a preferred vehicle turning device) to control braking forces of the one or more fourbrake devices 9 so that the vehicle turning state or yaw state can be a target turning/yaw state, and a brake-assist control portion 36 to control thebrake assist mechanism 10. - The
seatbelt device 3 preferably comprises aseatbelt mechanism 4 for the driver's seat, aseatbelt mechanism 5 for the assistant's seat, a crash pre-detecting sensor 6 (corresponding to a preferred crash pre-detecting device) to detect or predict the vehicle crash in advance, and a crash detecting sensor 7 (corresponding to a preferred crash detecting device) to detect the vehicle crash. Herein, thecrash detecting sensor 6 comprises, for example, a millimeter-wave radar, and thepre-detecting sensor 7 comprises, for example, an accelerator sensor. - The
brake device 9 comprises a liquid type of brake which comprises adisc rotor 9a, acaliper 9b, and thebrake assist mechanism 10 including valves such as a pressure-adding valve or a pressure-reducing valve (not illustrated). Thebrake device 9 is operated by a liquid pressure in at least one master cylinder (not illustrated) which is generated or controlled by pressing of a brake pedal (not illustrated) via a master back (not illustrated), and thereby the braking force is or can be applied to thewheels 8. - The
DSC operation sensor 11 preferably comprises at least one of the following: awheel speed sensor 13 to detect a wheel speed of thewheels 8, alateral acceleration sensor 14 to detect a lateral acceleration acting on thewheels 8 substantially in a lateral direction, ayaw rate sensor 15 to detect a yaw rate acting on the vehicle, asteering angle sensor 16 to detect a steering angle of a steering device and aliquid pressure sensor 17 to detect a liquid pressure in the master cylinder. TheDSC operation sensor 11 detects whether or not the vehicle is in the dangerous state such as spin or lateral slip during the vehicle turning based on input signals from one or more of the above-describedsensors 13 through 17. - The DSC comprises the
DSC operation sensor 11, theDSC control portion 35, thebrake device 9 and an Electronic Gasoline (engine fuel) Injection controller (EGI controller) 18 (seeFIG. 3 ). And, the DSC controls respective valves with theDSC control portion 35 when it is detected that the vehicle is in the dangerous state such spin or lateral slip by theDSC operation sensor 11. The control is conducted such that the liquid pressure supplied to thebrake device 9 are increased or decreased preferably substantially independently to adjust the braking forces applied to therespective wheels 8, so that the vehicle turning state can be controlled so as to be the target turning state. Also, the engine output is or may be reduced by a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) value by theEGI controller 18, thereby a torque down control is preferably executed at the same time. - The brake
assist operation sensor 12, which comprises theliquid pressure sensor 17 to detect the liquid pressure in the master cylinder, calculates a pressing amount and a pressing speed of the brake pedal based on a detected liquid pressure value of the master cylinder. And, thesensor 12 detects whether or not the brake pedal has been pressed at the emergency (e.g. depending on the speed of pressing, strength of pressing, how fast a pedal switch between accelerator pedal and brake pedal was performed, the driving condition of the vehicle, etc.). - The
brake assist mechanism 10, which comprises the valves such as the pressure-adding valve or the pressure-reducing valve, controls the liquid pressure supplied to thebrake device 9 preferably by controlling the valves when it is detected by the brake assistoperation sensor 12 that the brake pedal has been pressed at the emergency, and thereby generates a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) large braking force (which preferably is higher than a braking force corresponding to the force actually applied to the brake pedal). - Next, the
seatbelt mechanisms seat 2 respectively will be described. The configuration of theseseatbelt mechanisms seatbelt mechanism 4 for driver's seat will be described. - The
seatbelt mechanism 4 comprises, as illustrated inFIG. 2 , awebbing 21 to restrain the driver in the seat 1, aretractor 23 provided at a vehicle body (preferably at or near a center pillar, not illustrated) which includes a guide drum (not illustrated) to wind up thewebbing 21, a firstpre-tensioner mechanism 25 provided integrally or unitarily near (preferably at the back face of) theretractor 23 which can wind up thewebbing 21 with a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension preferably when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted in advance by thecrash pre-detecting sensor 6, and a secondpre-tensioner mechanism 27 provided integrally or unitarily near (preferably at the front face of) theretractor 23 which can wind up the webbing when the vehicle crash has been detected by thecrash detecting sensor 7. Preferably, the specified tension of the firstpre-tensioner mechanism 25 is different from (preferably substantially smaller than) a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension of thesecond pre-tensioner mechanism 27. At theretractor 23 is provided a winding-amount detecting sensor 29 to detect a winding amount of thewebbing 21. - The first
pre-tensioner mechanism 25 preferably has anelectric motor 31 and operates to withdraw and wind up thewebbing 21 by driving theelectric motor 31. Also, the firstpre-tensioner mechanism 25 winds up part of thewebbing 21 so as to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing by driving theelectric motor 31, not only when the vehicle dangerous-state of crash is detected by thepre-detecting sensor 6 based on a relative speed and/or a relative distance with respect to an obstacle such a vehicle running substantially in front, but also when the DSC and/or the brake assistmechanism 10 are operated. Then, when the vehicle dangerous state of crash is not detected after the state has been avoided or after the operations of the DSC and/or the brake assistmechanism 10 are finished, the firstpre-tensioner mechanism 25 withdraws part of thewebbing 21 by driving theelectric motor 31 so that the tension of the webbing returns to a previous tension before the webbing winding up. - The
second pre-tensioner mechanism 27 has an inflator 33 and operates to wind up part of thewebbing 21 at a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) speed, which is faster than the winding-up speed by the firstpre-tensioner mechanism 25, so as to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) tension to the webbing by operating the inflator 33 when the vehicle crash has been detected by thecrash detecting sensor 7. - Next, a control system of the
seatbelt device 3 of the automotive vehicle C will be described referring toFIG. 3 . As illustrated inFIG. 3 , thecontrol device 37 comprises theDSC control portion 35, the brake-assist control portion 36,CPU 38,ROM 39, RAM 40 (preferably backed up with a secondary battery), Input Interface 41 (Input I/F), Output Interface 42 (Output I/F) and the like. These are coupled via at least one data bus, and to the Input I/F 41 is preferably coupled at least to one of the following: thewheel speed sensor 13, thelateral acceleration sensor 14, theyaw rate sensor 15, thesteering angle sensor 16, theliquid pressure sensor 17, thecrash pre-detecting sensor 6, the winding-amount detecting sensor 29 for the driver's seat 1, a winding-amount detecting sensor 30 for the assistant'sseat 2, and thecrash detecting sensor 7. Meanwhile, thebrake device 9, theEGl controller 18, theelectric motor 31 for the driver's seat 1, and anelectric motor 32 for the assistant'sseat 2. Herein, theOutput Interface 42 preferably comprises one or more driving circuits of theelectric motors inflators - The
DSC control portion 35 controls one or more, e.g. fourbrake devices 9 and theEGI controller 18 to increase or decrease the braking force based on the input signals from theDSC operation sensor 11, which includes thewheel speed sensor 13, thelateral acceleration sensor 14, theyaw rate sensor 15, thesteering angle sensor 16, and/or theliquid pressure sensor 17, when it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state such as the spin or lateral slip during the vehicle turning, so that the vehicle turning state can be substantially the target turning state. - The brake-
assist control portion 36 controls the brake assistmechanism 10 to increase the braking force based on the signal of the brake assistoperation sensor 12 comprising theliquid pressure sensor 17 when it is detected that the brake pedal has been pressed preferably at the emergency. - In the
ROM 39 of thecontrol device 37 is stored a control program to control the firstpre-tensioner mechanism 25 for the driver's seat 1, a firstpre-tensioner mechanism 26 for the assistant'sseat 2, thesecond pre-tensioner mechanism 27 for the driver's seat 1, and a secondpre-tensioner mechanism 28 for the assistant'sseat 2, based on at least one of the input signals from thesensors 6, 13 - 17, 29, 30. - Next, the control of the first
pre-tensioner mechanisms pre-tensioner mechanisms seatbelt device 3 which are executed by thecontrol device 37 will be described referring to a flowchart ofFIG. 4 . Herein, Si (i = 1, 2, 3 ...) denote respective control steps. - After the control starts by turning on an ignition switch, it is detected based on the signal of the
DSC operation sensor 11 whether or not the vehicle C is in the dangerous state such as the spin or lateral slip, namely whether the DSC has operated or not (S1). When it is detected that the DSC has operated (S1 ; Yes), a control is performed of the firstpre-tensioner mechanisms electric motors pre-tensioner mechanisms seat 2, to at least partly wind up therespective webbings FIG. 5 , the electric current preferably is supplied to theelectric motors webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and a specified (predetermined or predeterminable) high tension can be provided to thewebbing 22 of the assistant'sseat 2. Namely, when the DSC operates, the electric current is supplied to themotors webbing 21 of the driver's seat lower than that of thewebbing 22 of the assistant's seat. Herein, the specified high tension is, for example, about twenty or more times as large as the specified low tension. The winding amount of thewebbings amount detecting sensors webbings - When it is not detected that the DSC operates (S1; No), it is detected by the signal from the brake assist
operation sensor 12 at the emergency, namely whether the brake assistmechanism 10 has operated or not (S4). When it is detected that the brake assistmechanism 10 operates (S4; Yes), the electric current to wind up thewebbings electric motors pre-tensioner mechanisms seat 2 to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) high tension as illustrated inFIG. 5 (S5). Namely, the electric current is supplied to theelectric motors webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and thewebbing 22 of the assistant'sseat 2 when the brake assistmechanism 10 operates higher than that of thewebbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 when the DSC operates. The winding amount of thewebbings amount detecting sensors webbings - When it is not detected that the brake assist
mechanism 10 operates (S4; No), it is detected by thecrash pre-detecting sensor 6 preferably whether any obstacle exists substantially in front of or near or in the expected path of the vehicle C. When the obstacle exists, the relative speed and/or relative distance with respect to the obstacle are calculated, and it is detected based on the calculation results whether or not the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S7). When it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S7; Yes), the electric current to wind up thewebbings electric motors pre-tensioner mechanisms seat 2 to provide the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) low tension as illustrated inFIG. 5 (S8). Namely, the electric current is supplied to theelectric motors webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and thewebbing 22 of the assistant'sseat 2 when the vehicle crash is detected by thecrash pre-detecting sensor 6 lower than that of thewebbings mechanism 10 operates. The winding amount of thewebbings amount detecting sensors webbings - When the specified (predetermined or predeterminable) amount of
webbings crash detecting sensor 7 whether or not the vehicle C has crashed against the obstacle (S10). When the vehicle crash has been detected (S10; Yes), the secondpre-tensioner mechanisms respective webbings inflators pre-tensioner mechanisms 27, 28 (S11), so that thewebbings seat 2 are wound up by operation of the secondpre-tensioner mechanisms - Herein, when the vehicle crash has not be detected (S10; No), it is detected whether the DSC still operates or not (S12). When it is detected that the DSC still operates (S12; Yes), the control sequence returns to the step S10. When it is not detected that the DSC operates (S12; No), it is detected whether the brake assist
mechanism 10 operates or not (S13). When it is detected that the brake assistmechanism 10 operates (S13; Yes), the control sequence returns to the step S10. - When it is not detected that the brake assist
mechanism 10 operates (S13; No), it is detected by thecrash pre-detecting sensor 6 whether any obstacle exists substantially in front of or on the path of the vehicle C. When the obstacle exists, the relative speed and/or relative distance with respect to the obstacle are calculated, and it is detected based on the calculation results whether or not the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S14). When it is detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S14; Yes), the control sequence returns to the step S10. - When it is not detected that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash (S14; No), namely when the DSC and/or the brake assist
mechanism 10 are not in their operation state and the dangerous state of crash has been avoided, the electric current is supplied to theelectric motors pre-tensioner mechanisms webbings webbings electric motors pre-tensioner mechanisms - Next, the operation and effects of the
seatbelt device 3 of a vehicle C which has been described above will be described. When the vehicle C equipped with the DSC travels on a slippery road or turns at a high speed and thereby the vehicle is in the dangerous state e.g. of the spin and/or lateral slip, theDSC control portion 35 operates to increase or decrease the braking force applied to thewheels 8, thereby functioning to stabilize the vehicle turning state. - In this situation, the first
pre-tensioner mechanisms webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 can be lower than that of thewebbing 22 of the assistant'sseat 2. Thereby, the driver in the driver's seat 1 can conduct properly the steering and/or braking operation to avoid the vehicle crash, and the passenger in the assistant'sseat 2 can be restrained with the high tension, therefore the safety can be further improved. - Also, at the emergency when the vehicle crash against the obstacle in front needs to be avoided, the first
pre-tensioner mechanisms seat 2 operate to wind up thewebbing webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 at the DSC operation. Thereby, the restraint force for the respective passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passengers can be improved surely even if the vehicle C is in the dangerous state where the brake assistmechanism 10 operates. - Also, when it is detected in advance by the
crash pre-detecting sensor 6 that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash, the firstpre-tensioner mechanisms webbing 21 of the driver's seat 1 and thewebbing 22 of the assistant'sseat 2 can be lower than that when the brake assistmechanism 10 operates. Thereby, the restraint force for the passengers can be increased, and the safety of the passenger can be improved surely. Also, since themechanisms webbings mechanism 10 operates, the steering operation and/or the braking operation by the driver in the driver's seat 1 to avoid the vehicle crash will not be prevented. Also, it is not necessary yet to provide the high tension to thewebbing 22 of the passenger in the assistant'sseat 2 at the timing it is detected in advance that the vehicle C is in the dangerous state of crash, therefore the unpleasant feeling of too much restraint of thewebbing 22 can be lessened. - Also, when the vehicle crash is detected by the
crash detecting sensor 7, the secondpre-tensioner mechanisms - Next, some alternatives in which the above-described embodiment is modified partially will be described.
- 1) Although the above-described embodiment describes the example in which two seatbelt mechanisms are provided respectively for the driver's seat 1 and the assistant's
seat 2, there may be provided four or more seatbelt mechanisms which are provided for four or more seats respectively. - 2) In the above-described embodiment, when the vehicle crash is detected by the crash detecting sensor, the control device supplies the electric current for ignition to the inflator to operate the second pre-tensioner mechanism. However, the electric current for ignition may be supplied to the inflator directly to operate the second pre-tensioner mechanism from the crash detecting sensor, not via the control device.
- 3) In the above-described embodiment, the webbing is wound up by operating the inflator of the second pre-tensioner mechanism at the vehicle crash.
Claims (7)
- A system for a vehicle (C), comprising:a seatbelt device (3) having at least two seatbelt mechanisms (4, 5) provided for a driver's seat (1) and another passenger's seat (2), each of the seatbelt mechanisms (4, 5) including a webbing (21; 22) and a first pre-tensioner mechanism (25; 26) operative to wind up the webbing (21; 22) so as to apply a specified tension to the webbing (21; 22) when a crash pre-detecting device (6) detects a vehicle crash in advance; anda DSC operation sensor (11) for detecting a danger of a spin or lateral slip during the vehicle turning; anda control device (37) to control said seatbelt mechanisms (4, 5), anda vehicle turning control device (35) which operates to control a braking force of a brake device (9) of the vehicle to make a vehicle turning state a target turning state, anda brake assist device (10),
chacterized in thatsaid control device (37) operates at least said first pre-tensioner mechanisms (25, 26) when the vehicle turning control device (35) operates, to make the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) lower than that of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2); andsaid control device (37) operates at least said first pre-tensioner mechanisms (25, 26) when said brake assist device (10) operates to make both the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) and the tension of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2) higher than that of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) when said vehicle turning control device (35) operates. - The system of claim 1, wherein said control device (37) operates said first pre-tensioner mechanism (25,26) to make both the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) and the tension of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2) when said brake assist device (10) operates and said vehicle turning control device (35) is not in operation higher than that of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) when said vehicle turning control device (35) operates.
- The system of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said control device (37) operates said first pre-tensioner mechanisms (25, 26) to make the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) and the tension of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2) when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted in advance by the crash pre-detecting device (6) lower than the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) and the tension of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2) when said brake assist device (10) operates.
- The system of claim 3, wherein said control device (37) operates said first pre-tensioner mechanisms (25; 26) to make the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) and the tension of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2) when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted in advance by the crash pre-detecting device (6) and said vehicle turning control device (35) and said brake assist device (10) do not operate lower than the tension of the webbing (21) of the driver's seat (1) and the tension of the webbing (22) of the passenger's seat (2) when said brake assist device (10) operates.
- The system of one of the preceding claims, wherein each of said first pretensioner mechanisms (25, 26) is driven by an electric motor (31; 32).
- The system of one of the preceding claims, further comprising a crash detecting device (7) to detect or predict the vehicle crash and second pre-tensioner mechanisms (27, 28) which are provided at said respective seatbelt mechanisms (4, 5) to wind up a specified amount of webbing (21, 22) at the vehicle crash, and said seatbelt device (3) is constituted so that when the vehicle crash is detected or predicted by said crash detecting device (7), said second pre-tensioner mechanisms (27, 28) operate in addition to the operation of said first pre-tensioner mechanisms (25, 26).
- The system of claim 6, wherein each of said second pre-tensioner mechanisms (27, 28) is driven by an inflator (33; 34).
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2004283671A JP4614183B2 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2004-09-29 | Vehicle seat belt device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1642787A1 EP1642787A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 |
EP1642787B1 true EP1642787B1 (en) | 2009-10-28 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP05017132A Expired - Fee Related EP1642787B1 (en) | 2004-09-29 | 2005-08-05 | Seat belt device for a vehicle and a control method |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US7410026B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1642787B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4614183B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE602005017339D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10332024A1 (en) * | 2003-07-15 | 2005-02-17 | Daimlerchrysler Ag | Method for controlling a reversible belt tensioner in a motor vehicle |
GB2424983A (en) * | 2005-04-07 | 2006-10-11 | Autoliv Dev | Seatbelt pretensioner control system |
JP4851485B2 (en) * | 2007-04-27 | 2012-01-11 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | VEHICLE CONTROL DEVICE AND SEAT BELT DEVICE CONTROL METHOD |
JP5993692B2 (en) * | 2012-09-28 | 2016-09-14 | 富士重工業株式会社 | vehicle |
JP6364436B2 (en) * | 2016-03-22 | 2018-07-25 | 株式会社Subaru | Vehicle occupant protection device |
US11173860B2 (en) * | 2017-03-14 | 2021-11-16 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Occupant protection device, method for controlling occupant protection device and program |
Family Cites Families (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5605202A (en) * | 1995-06-07 | 1997-02-25 | Itt Automotive, Inc. | Apparatus and method for enhancing performance of an occupant restraint system in a vehicle |
DE19811865A1 (en) * | 1998-03-18 | 1999-09-23 | Siemens Ag | Motor vehicle occupant protection device operation control method e.g. for airbag |
DE19910596A1 (en) * | 1999-03-10 | 2000-09-14 | Volkswagen Ag | Method and arrangement for triggering restraint devices in a motor vehicle |
JP3721451B2 (en) * | 2000-03-07 | 2005-11-30 | マツダ株式会社 | Vehicle occupant protection device |
DE10029061C2 (en) * | 2000-06-13 | 2003-12-11 | Breed Automotive Tech | Restraint |
JP3988600B2 (en) * | 2001-12-14 | 2007-10-10 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Crew restraint system |
JP3575475B2 (en) * | 2002-05-10 | 2004-10-13 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Vehicle seat belt device |
US6746049B2 (en) * | 2002-07-24 | 2004-06-08 | Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. | Adaptive seat belt tensioning system |
JP3815420B2 (en) * | 2002-10-24 | 2006-08-30 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle occupant protection device |
JP4082177B2 (en) * | 2002-10-30 | 2008-04-30 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle safety device |
JP3912260B2 (en) * | 2002-10-31 | 2007-05-09 | 日産自動車株式会社 | Vehicle seat belt device |
JP3815428B2 (en) * | 2002-12-05 | 2006-08-30 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | Vehicle seat belt device |
-
2004
- 2004-09-29 JP JP2004283671A patent/JP4614183B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-08-05 DE DE602005017339T patent/DE602005017339D1/en active Active
- 2005-08-05 EP EP05017132A patent/EP1642787B1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2005-08-17 US US11/205,206 patent/US7410026B2/en active Active
Also Published As
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EP1642787A1 (en) | 2006-04-05 |
US20060065466A1 (en) | 2006-03-30 |
JP4614183B2 (en) | 2011-01-19 |
DE602005017339D1 (en) | 2009-12-10 |
US7410026B2 (en) | 2008-08-12 |
JP2006096138A (en) | 2006-04-13 |
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